“My life is an open book” needs updating for this electronic age. It used to mean that I have nothing to hide; what you see is what you get. Today, my life is an open Facebook — self-published, autobiographical content ready for the world to see.
We didn’t even know each other well in school. Why do you think he wants to be my friend? I thought to myself before I realized that a Facebook “friendship” has redefined what it means to be a friend. I used to think that a friend was someone I enjoy spending time with, someone I invite into my life. Social media seems to have taken some meaning from the word. The electronic age strikes again!
I have always been a private person. I would rather not put myself out there in a crowd. My fear has made entering the electronic age a scary prospect. I grew up in a place where personal and private really meant PERSONAL and PRIVATE. Now, knowledge is power. Hackers drop into accounts; thieves steal identities; pfishers steal personal information and credit. Now, the world is a scary place before I step outside my door. Perhaps “personal and private” have new definitions in the age of the Internet.
I generally use Facebook as an announcement page to post things interesting and inspiring — things worthy of publishing. I avoid sharing the hum-drum, mundane parts of my life (Wow! I have just finished grocery shopping.) I enjoy sharing travels and pictures that are inspiring. It has transformed my travels into something even more lovely by giving me the opportunity to look for something beautiful to share every day.
I am still getting used to the new Facebook age where everyone has their own forum, their own access to self-publish their life to the world. I notice that my “friends” expect me to know all about their lives. They are comfortable sharing personal information with the world: “Oh, I thought everyone knew. I posted that on Facebook yesterday.” Perhaps, I should review Facebook before I spend time with friends to avoid the new social faux pas. I have had acquaintances assume that I know of their marriages or other big life changes, even though I had not seen them in several years. Pictures and pages of new children are popping up among my family, friends, and Facebook friends. Perhaps you should collect friends for your child right away, start early. Your life is complete when you max out on Facebook friends. Reserve an account for your child today!
I try to read my Facebook feed once every week, but have yet to figure out how to read posts from the real folk in my life. Still, I enjoy reading of the “celebrities” in my life as though I am reading People Magazine in the grocery store check-out line. Without leaving my home, I can live vicariously through all of the cool stuff that my internet buddies document so well. Sometimes, I even find inspiration to live my life in a new way, travel to new places, make new connections. Yes, Facebook does have some good: I keep in touch with friends and family, share pictures and stories, and connect to community.
And so, my life is an open Facebook!
This is a world of interconnection and information. It started with a social security number. Then, an address. You had to mail me letters. A phone number meant you could call me. The answering machine let you leave a message (I’ll get back to you when I can). With my driver’s license I can visit you. Mobile phone, email, websites, instant messages, text messages, Facebook, Linked-In, Instagram, Twitter, smart phones, Myspace, blogs, — What is Tumblr? — YouTube, webinars and phone conferences, Skype, FaceTime, online classes…
With so many ways to connect and be connected, I’m exhausted just thinking about it. And so I take a break. I call up and invite a friend over, turn off all the electronics, disconnect myself from the network, sit down for a meal, and enjoy company, face-to-face. We are sharing space and time, conversation and tangible connection — love, laughter, and real friendship.
Check me out at www.facebook.com/joel.ying1
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